Why sort?
Sorting focuses children on the pattern, rather than individual letters. This arms them with strategies for spelling words that were not on their lists.
Ways to Sort Words
Individual Sort
Sort and say words while placing them in the correct category.
Partner Sort
Take turns saying and placing words in categories.
Blind Sort
One person is the caller and the other the "placer". The caller says a word and the placer points to the category it belongs in.
Blind Sort With Spelling
One person is the caller and the other the speller. The caller says a word and the speller spells it before showing which category it belongs in.
Blind Sort With Writing
One person is the caller and the other the writer. The caller says a word and the writer writes it under the correct category. It is the callers responsibility to make sure the word is spelled correctly before the word is placed in its category.
Speed Sorting
One person starts a timer while the other says the words and places them in the correct category. The timer stops when last word is pronounced and placed.
How can I help my child?
Sorting focuses children on the pattern, rather than individual letters. This arms them with strategies for spelling words that were not on their lists.
Ways to Sort Words
Individual Sort
Sort and say words while placing them in the correct category.
Partner Sort
Take turns saying and placing words in categories.
Blind Sort
One person is the caller and the other the "placer". The caller says a word and the placer points to the category it belongs in.
Blind Sort With Spelling
One person is the caller and the other the speller. The caller says a word and the speller spells it before showing which category it belongs in.
Blind Sort With Writing
One person is the caller and the other the writer. The caller says a word and the writer writes it under the correct category. It is the callers responsibility to make sure the word is spelled correctly before the word is placed in its category.
Speed Sorting
One person starts a timer while the other says the words and places them in the correct category. The timer stops when last word is pronounced and placed.
How can I help my child?
- Make sure your child practices his/her sort each week. Ask questions about the patterns.
- When writing, encourage your child to use a dictionary to check the spelling of words he/she is unsure of. Don't let your child off the hook by giving the spelling. Also, encourage him/her to think about familiar patterns (e.g. PAGE has a vowel, consonant, silent "e" pattern that makes the "a" long).
- Encourage your child to edit his/her own writing. Have your child circle in pencil words they are unsure of. Have them check the dictionary for those words. Offer to check the rest "for free" as a reward for working hard on their own writing. Remember, your child may be at the developmental stage where doubling the consonant before adding -ing (for example) is being introduced, so it may not be as clear to them that they are misspelling a word.
- Show your child how you handle words you're not sure of. Do you check by opening Word and spell checking on the computer? Do you use a dictionary? Is it an online resource? Do you write the word a few ways until one "looks right". These are all great strategies and children need to see that adults use them!
- Most importantly, emphasize the importance of good spelling, but don't overdo it. Some places need to be "free zones" where children are free to express themselves without fear of making mistakes. Journals, poems, anything personal should be encouraged using best spelling. On the other hand, don't allow letters to relatives, teachers, or other communication get by without a spell check. It emphasizes the importance of spelling when we write for an audience!